Tue 11th March !
Perth tonight.
In-person, but also online.
We were aiming to discuss Git and version control … but my very late notice might throw a spanner in the works.
6pm Perth start time. Everyone welcome of course.
Online also.
Zoom details a bit later.
You did not say WHERE IT IS OR WHEN !!
The post was mainly for any online people … but also details were above from earlier.
As far as I know, these will be the details of the Zoom link.
If that assumption is false, I will email again shortly after 6pm, and post to the Perth Topic on ADUG Forums.
(If necessary we might need to run with a non-paid Zoom acct, and wear the 40min limits)
Topic: ADUG Perth Meeting - (Dec-2024) Mar-2025 - 6pm Start (Perth AWST)
Time: Tue Mar 11, 2025 18:00 Perth
Join Zoom Meeting
https:// …
Quick recap
Peter presented on Version Control Systems with a focus on Git, also discussed the features and benefits of version control systems, the process of setting up a Git repository, and the importance of using GitHub for backup and version control.
Next steps
- In- person meeting again next month. Paul will organise AV before the start time!
- Team: Attend Rad Studio 12.3 presentation by Malcolm Groves and Ian Barker on March 14th at 8 AM Perth time … And/or Embarcadero original webinar (11pm Perth time)
- Les: Set up a local Git repository to start practicing Git version control
- Paul: Set up an in-person meeting for next month and arrive one hour early to sort out audio-visual equipment
- Paul: Share the recording of this Git tutorial meeting for future reference
Summary
Troubleshooting Audio and Video Issues
Paul leads a meeting with Bob, Geoffrey, Peter, and Frank, attempting to organize their setup amidst some technical difficulties.
Git Version Control System Presentation
Peter begins a presentation on Version Control Systems with a focus on Git.
Improving Audio Quality for Remote Meetings
Git Version Control System Overview
Peter discusses various features and benefits of version control systems, particularly Git. He demonstrates how to view file changes, compare different versions, and track the history of code modifications. The presentation highlights the ability to easily see differences between versions, rebase branches, and perform code reviews.
Peter emphasizes the importance of making small, granular commits and following good processes when working in large teams. He also mentions features like Blame, which shows who last modified each line of code, and the ability to track down when bugs were introduced.
The discussion touches on different Git user interfaces, with Peter using Fork as an example, and notes that there are many options available for developers to choose from.
Setting Up Git Repository With GitHub
Peter discusses setting up a Git repository, focusing on GitHub as an example. He explains that GitHub allows users to create organizations to group repositories. Peter demonstrates creating a new public repository called “Git Demo” under the ADUG Perth organization. He highlights the importance of the .gitignore file, which is pre-populated for Delphi projects, to exclude unnecessary files from version control. Peter then shows how to clone the repository locally using a Git client, explaining the process of copying the repository URL and selecting a local directory for the clone.
Cloning Repositories and Managing Changes
Peter discussed the process of cloning a repository and making changes to it. He also explained the concept of rebasing, which involves updating a branch with the latest changes from the main branch.
Peter emphasized the importance of making small, atomic changes and using branches for big changes or releases. He also mentioned the concept of stashing changes temporarily. Les asked about creating a local repository and managing it without pushing it to Github. Peter explained how to create a new repository locally and manage it. Geoffrey suggested copying the .git folder to get all the committed changes. The team also discussed the use of Beyond Compare for file merging when there are conflicts.
Version Control Systems
Peter discusses various version control systems and their pricing, mentioning that Fork is $60 and some other options are free or more expensive. He emphasizes the importance of using GitHub for backup and version control, noting that private repositories are now available.
Quantum Breakthrough
John shares exciting news about a breakthrough in quantum computing by Microsoft, involving topological qubits that are not susceptible to noise problems, potentially leading to significant advancements in the field within the next five years.
AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading. Always check for accuracy.
If anyone wants to experiment with Forks and Pull Requests etc without any consequences, the repo Peter made is :
April WADUG meeting will be in-person again, at the same venue.
Tuesday 8th April. Bentley Dome. 6pm Perth time, … and maybe the eastern states are off daylight savings by then.
2025-04-08T10:00:00Z (Thanks @Geoff)
I will be getting there earlier to organise the AV better this time … (is my plan!)
- Scott van der Linden will be telling us about Plugins for the Delphi IDE.
- I have been finding out about RSA encryption, as a side-effect of reading Alexander Stepanov’s book ‘From Mathematics to Generic Programming’. It is surprisingly simple in concept and execution.
- Some of us have also spent some time to setup AI help in the D12.3 IDE, and have some example feedback from it.
- And we have a small candidate case for getting the compiler to police your code, via the type system.
- Marco Cantu has fully released his (free) Annotated Mastering Delphi 5
- (and there were a few April 1st points of notice)
Don’t forget the ADUG Symposium approaching fast, Friday 9th May.
Cheers,
Paul McGee
I believe the Zoom meeting details will be …
Topic: ADUG Perth Meeting - April-2025 - 6pm Start (Perth AWST)
Time: Tue April 8, 2025 18:00 PerthJoin Zoom Meeting
Launch Meeting - ZoomMeeting ID: 823 7926 3676
Passcode: 142405
- Marco Cantu talking about SmartCodeInsight during the RADStudio 12.3 launch webinar.
(link to the 21:40 mark) https://youtu.be/77bQ6Xs0kBE?t=1299
- Marco Cantu’s ANNOTATED Mastering Delphi 5
The final annotated edition is 1,139 pages and it has 475 footnotes , plus dozen of new screen snapshots comparing the old the the new UI of the IDE, and in some cases of the running applications.
https://blog.marcocantu.com/blog/2025-march-mastering-delphi5-annotated-complete.html
Meeting summary for ADUG Perth Meeting - 8-April-2025
Quick recap
The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including VR technology, programming languages, and quantum computing advancements. Participants discussed technical issues with their virtual setup, shared experiences with various software and hardware, and explored AI-assisted coding tools. The group also planned for upcoming events, including a symposium and local Delphi meetings, while encouraging members to present their findings and organize gatherings.
Next steps
• All Members : Consider early bird registration for the Symposium by April 18th if planning to attend in person in Melbourne
• Scott vdL : Prepare and present updated content about Open Tools API integration for a future meeting, after updating the code from 2014 to work with current API versions
• Paul : Follow up on organizing a potential get-together in Perth for May 9th for those not attending the Melbourne event
• Paul : Test and refine the meeting room audio setup with the new Logitech Rally conference kit for future meetings
• Paul : Share the link to Marco’s blog post about his annotated Mastering Delphi 5 book with the group
• Les : Share more details about the Bose Soundlink Micro bluetooth speaker as an alternative audio solution for meetings
Summary
VR Headsets
Discussion about VR headsets, with Scott Hollows describing various features and accessories, including battery packs, field of view improvements, and comfort adjustments for different users.
Virtual Reality Sound Quality Issues
Paul and LesFoxEng discussed the sound quality and echo issues in their virtual reality setup. They attributed the problems to room acoustics and suggested that switching off one of the microphones could improve the sound. Scott explained the concept of “pass through” in virtual reality, where the headset provides additional information about the real world. He mentioned the development of a new version of the headset that automatically scans the room and maps out the usable area. The team also discussed the potential for using the headset in gaming scenarios.
Delphi’s Evolution and Future Prospects
Paul discussed [a lecture given by Marco Cantu to the International Pascal Congress, about] the history and development of Delphi, a programming language, from its early days to its current state. He highlighted the introduction of new features like generics, attributes, anonymous functions, and Rtti, and how they have evolved over time. Paul also mentioned the upcoming talk by Marco at the ADUG Symposium, which will cover the history of Delphi and its language. He expressed [Marco’s] opinion that the newer features of Delphi are not widely used, and suggested that Marco could focus more on promoting and explaining these features in his talk. John Walker shared his personal experience with Delphi, starting with Delphi 5 in the late 1990s and moving on to Delphi 7, which he found to be a solid release. He also mentioned the .NET release, which he found to be a major mistake, and the subsequent releases of Delphi 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010.
Programming Topics and Development Tool Integration
Peter Thönell discusses various programming topics, including issues with FireMonkey and live bindings in the past. He mentions using interfaces for cleaner communication with the data layer and notes that applications often require fewer queries than expected. Peter also shared his experience helping a friend create simple text-based programs for teaching robotics to school teachers using AI-generated code. He touched on the integration of AI in version 12.3 of a development tool and mentions difficulties in getting the Community Edition working. Paul mentioned that the Community Edition is version 12.1, while the trial edition offers version 12.3.
Unidac Database Connections and Audio Feedback
Scott discusses the advantages of using Unidac for database connections, particularly its ability to connect directly to databases without requiring additional client software. He compares it favorably to Firebird and mentions its native support for various databases, including Oracle. Scott also provides pricing information for Unidac, ranging from $300 to $5,850 depending on the version. The group then troubleshoots audio feedback issues in their meeting setup, with Lester suggesting optimal placement for microphones and speakers in conference rooms. Finally, Lester recommends a Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth speaker, currently on sale.
Meta Quest Headset Models Discussed
Scott discussed the different models of Meta Quest headsets, recommending the Model 3 for its improved lenses and wider field of vision. He also suggested maxing out the memory for the headset. Peter inquired about the brand and manufacturing of the headsets, which Scott clarified was Meta Quest. Scott also shared his experience with motion sickness while using the headsets and suggested using a fan to alleviate it.
VR Gaming and Headset Discussion
Scott discusses various aspects of VR gaming and headsets. He explains how to get discounted games through a subscription program and a Facebook group that offers up to 90% off. Scott also talks about using VR headsets with glasses, mentioning that some people can wear the headset over their glasses, while others can use special lenses that click into the headset. The conversation then shifts to technical issues with audio and video during the meeting.
Quantum Computing Advancements and Implications
John discusses recent advancements in quantum computing, particularly Microsoft’s development of a topological qubit that is impervious to noise. He explains that this technology could lead to having a million qubits in the palm of one’s hand within five years, potentially revolutionizing computing power. Scott also mentions the implications for encryption and cryptocurrencies, suggesting that current encryption methods may become vulnerable to quantum computing. The group briefly discusses how programming languages like Delphi might interface with quantum computers in the future, likely through cloud-based APIs.
AI-assisted Coding With Claude Integration
Paul demonstrates the use of AI-assisted coding tools in the IDE, focusing on Claude’s integration. He shows how to set up the API key and model settings for Claude. The team discusses the relative strengths of different AI models, with Geoffrey noting that ChatGPT seems better for Delphi syntax. Paul shares an example of using AI to generate unit tests and find bugs in a code snippet for retrieving computer and workgroup names. The AI provided helpful insights, including identifying potential issues with uninitialized variables and unexpected return values. While the IDE integration is basic, Paul finds the AI suggestions useful for improving code quality and generating tests.
Upcoming Symposium and Melbourne Delphi Meeting
Paul mentioned the upcoming Symposium on the 9th of May. The early bird pricing for the event is until the 18th of April, and the speakers include Marco Cantu, Marco Geuze, Robert King, and Primož Gabrijelčič. Paul also mentioned a Melbourne Delphi meeting on Monday, which will be at 4 PM for those in Perth [the date is actually Mon 21st April]. Scott van der Linden mentioned some old OTAPI code he found, but it was from 2014 and had issues compiling now. Paul suggested that Scott could present about this at a future meeting. The next meeting will be on the 13th of May, and Paul encouraged anyone interested in organizing a get-together on the 9th of May to reach out to him.
@Malcolm will be talking about LOCAL AI for exactly the same purpose.
6th MAY, online webinar.
1 Like
Pssst : Hey. @Malcolm 
G’day all.
Perth ADUG meeting online, 6pm AWST, Tuesday 20th May.
I feel like we are ready to bite the bullet on Interfaces.
For those of us who have never managed to get a good handle on them, it will be at a decidedly beginner level.
I have started to feel out a small grasp on getting some perspective on them.
I propose to talk through how I’ve been processing the info available … and then maybe our friends who are super comfortable with them can tell me the many ways in which I am off-track. 
Vincent Parrett (Delphi legend @vincent) talked about them in a Canberra meeting in October 2020.
https://youtu.be/0J8LvPqmEqM?t=3121 (link starts at the 52 min mark)
I’d like us to listen through the presentation together, maybe pausing as we go.
And look at the example code that was posted to github : GitHub - vincentparrett/ADUG-Interfaces: Simple example of using interfaces with forms and frames
Peter Thönell and Scott van der Linden have presented to us before, definitely showing practical interface usage (including pretty recently from Scott) So hopefully they will be able to help along the less-informed of us.
// - - - - - -
Dr Kevin Bond has been completing (completed?) his book on Quartex Pascal, which we could possibly take a quick look at. It’s in Early Access atm : https://www.educational-computing.com/
Web examples : Quartex Pascal
(Also, I was recently reminded how comprehensive his book on ALL OF DELPHI is.
“Programming Effectively in Delphi”. 1200 pages. pdf version available. books )
// - - - - - -
Recent events :
-
ADUG Symposium, Friday 9th May. Nice to see several of you there online. Love to do a roundup and get your feedback.
-
Ian Barker’s most recent webinar, about Finding Delphi Staff and Jobs, is posted online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIKn9MY_2lc
Upcoming :
- Melbourne meeting will be on THIS Monday, 19th May. They will also consider the symposium, and Taurus TLS that updates our access to online security protocols.
ADUG Melbourne May Meeting 2025
Thanks very much, and see you online.
Paul McGee
Hey @Paul_McGee, what’s up?
Sorry, it was just an attempt at a cheeky reminder regarding local AI replay … 
Hi Paul
How do I access Perth ADUG meeting online, 6pm AWST, Tuesday 20th May?
Kevin
Dr Kevin R Bond FBCS, CITP, MACM, MIEEE, Embarcadero MVP
Managing Director
Educational Computing Services Ltd
web site: https://www.educational-computing.com
1 Like
G’day Dr Kev.
I’ll post here, and email out, the previous Zoom link we used. And check with our Zoom guru @scott.hollows that it’s correct.